VP/Cover | BLOOD, SWEAT, TEARS: The Milestone of Erik Santos

Living the life of an OPM icon may seem to be an everyday path of glitz, glamor, and music, patiently waiting for time to ripen itself just right for the next milestone worth a celebration. But along the way to the pedestal were stains of blood, sweat, and tears that Erik Santos, the icon himself, had to shed to get where he stands today.

Among all the brilliant and talented performers he competed against 21 years ago, Erik rose to the top as the star in a million, marking his name in the books of the entertainment industry. He also made a mark in the hearts of many Filipinos, who since then have listened and loved his songs that we have heard countless times in many Pinoy teleseryes and singing competitions but remain eternally new and soothing to our hearts and ears.

Although it has already been more than two decades ago since Erik stepped into the spotlight, everything remains clear to his mind. He vividly remembers and willingly reminisces every step of the way, realizing how far he has become and how worth celebrating the milestone built on his blood, sweat, and tears.

BLOOD: Passion runs through his veins

Talent may be innate to some and one thing to hone for others, but the desire to share it to the world must be a fuel that runs through the veins and an air that gives life to the soul. And the same drive has kept the heart of Erik Santos beating for music. Passion has turned his blood warmer, keeping the fire burning even through the darkest of his days.

Even the OPM icon himself had to face redirections and learn the feeling of almost becoming but end up losing. Erik had to deal with the weight of canceled shows. He also recalled the days of rejections for looking ordinary and not being a “mainstream” material, only driving him to become more persistent in chasing his dreams.

“Success is not just a walk in the park. Ang dami mong mae-encounter na challenges bago ibigay sa ‘yo ‘yon.”
-Erik Santos

Just like any of us, Erik still has his lowest points in life. He reaches limits, gets exhausted, and needs to take a break from the overwhelming nature of life and pressure. But one needs blood to live and so does he need music. He needs to follow the warmth that runs through him—the blood that has kept him alive—the passion that he had since the beginning.

“Siguro pinakamatagal na ‘yong one month na nagpapahinga ako, kasi nami-miss ko agad ‘yong pagkanta, ‘yong mga taong katrabaho ko, at ‘yong pakiramdam na nasa stage ako—hinahanap siya agad ng katawan ko.”
-Erik Santos

Every chance to be on stage is a moment to share the warmth from within. And so Erik always let his passion take over him when performing and give his all as he is uncertain of witnessing another tomorrow. He treats every performance his last—a principle that his former manager, Boy Abunda, taught him.

Just as how vital blood is to live, the passion that runs through his veins has built Erik resilient; that no matter how many times he falls, he gets back up, placing his feet firmer on a solid ground.

“For you to last in the industry, hindi kailangang magaling at talented ka lang. Dapat matibay din ang loob mo at matapang ka as a person.”
-Erik Santos

SWEAT: He worked and so he gained

Sweat has always been a symbol of one’s consistent effort to achieve a goal to which he has set his eyes on. If so, then Erik Santos must have shed buckets of sweat in reaching a 21-year milestone, to which he sometimes finds himself in disbelief. Every time he realizes how fast the years have gone working in the industry, Erik still feels surreal.

“Looking back, napakabilis pala ng panahon. Hindi ko nga nararamdaman na gano’n na ako katagal at katanda ngayon, e. I feel like I am still 21 years old, gano’n.”
-Erik Santos

He has served us some of the most remarkable performances and songs that even the younger generations still sing up to this day. His masterpieces like ‘Pagbigyang Muli’ and ‘I’ll Never Go’ are just some of his classic songs that we would definitely hear in a Filipino karaoke session or in a singing competition.

Meanwhile, even when he has already served us some of the best music in the past years, Erik consistently strives to deliver new sounds. Just this year, he has released ‘Sagot Sa Aking Dasal’ and ‘The Heaven’ that keeps up with the dynamics in the music scene while keeping his identity visible. Aside from his powerful vocals, Erik has shown a distinct way of storytelling through his music, that every word pierces through the hearts of anyone who hears him.

Seeing his discography and artistry in general, he truly gained the title and all the right to be called an icon. He worked hard and passionately every step of the way. On the other hand, he has kept a humble heart.

When I get called an icon, minsan parang nahihiya ako kasi I feel like ang dami ko pang kailangang i-prove, hindi lang sa sarili ko pero sa industriya but it also inspires me to do better.
-Erik Santos

His celebration of 21 years in the industry is more than just a testament of success and talent, but a manifestation of his hard work and continuous effort to become even better. In those two decades, Erik Santos broke buckets of sweat to reach the milestone he enjoys today. Indeed, he worked and so he gained.

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TEARS: MilEStone for a milestone

Tears come across our faces not only in the form of sadness and grief, but also in the shape of joy and celebration, and the latter filled the eyes of Erik Santos as he marked his two-decade journey in his ‘milEStone’ anniversary concert a year ago. But just like his journey and music, the celebration of his breakthrough never stops as his concert’s online streaming via iWantTFC starts on October 20 and is set to become his very first live album and vinyl in 21 years, sharing his milestone and story to an even bigger audience around the world.

“This milEStone is the summary of my story as a singer and as a person sa loob ng 20 years in the industry.”
-Erik Santos

The icon himself wanted to celebrate, not only his two decades of sharing his talent to the world, but to also recognize the significant roles that many people played in his life. Erik believes that he made it in those 21 years because of the many individuals who believed in his dreams, loved him, and supported his craft through and through. Despite being the icon he is today, he remains grateful for and to the people, showing the humble heart he has amidst the big name he holds.

“I offer this concert to my parents who are already in heaven now; to those who supported me and showed me and my craft some love; and sa mga taong tumulong sa akin para maabot ko ‘yong pangarap ko.”
-Erik Santos

Meanwhile, now that he has marked a significant milestone in his career, Erik continues to strive and show the world more of him. He is thrilled to share all the new sounds he has prepared for his fans and supporters up until next year. The icon himself looks forward to his collaborations with his friends and new generation artists that makes it more exciting.

Although Erik still dreams to soar through the limitless horizons, his grateful heart and faith remains sound and loud, making him ready to whatever life has to offer while helping and inspiring aspiring young artists, sharing with them the story and magic of tears.

The glitz and glamor that surround Erik Santos today every time he steps on the stage tells not a story of magic but a testament of a milestone built on blood, sweat, and tears.

Special Thanks to Cornerstone Entertainment, Ryan Banks and ABSCBN Music